Edinburgh City Council debt advice data hacked

Hackers have accessed a council's computer records on people who have contacted the authority for debt advice. Edinburgh City Council has reported the "malicious cyber attack" to police. No other council systems are affected and the breach was detected by maintenance contractors. The Information Commissioner has been told. A council spokesman said steps had been taken to protect people who may be affected. CIFAS - the recognised industry independent fraud prevention service - has also been drafted in. It is expected to contact more than 270 financial organisations who will check that the details are not misused. The council has written to people affected to apologise but said there is no evidence to suggest personal details had been used. A council spokesman said: "This is a serious crime that could have potentially damaging consequences if individuals' identities are stolen and used. We have advised people to be vigilant and to check their bank and credit card statements very carefully for unusual transactions." full story on google